Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/56

The Manners of Kings men have said, 'In the sea there are countless gains, but it thou desirest safety, it will be on the shore.'"

My friend, having heard these words, became angry, made a wry face, and began to reproach me, saying: "What sufficiency of wisdom and maturity of intellect is this? The saying of philosophers has come true, that friends are useful in prison, because at table all enemies appear as friends. Account him not a friend who knocks at the door of prosperity, boasts of amity, and calls himself thy adopted brother. I consider him a friend who takes a friend's hand when he is in a distressed state and in poverty."

Seeing that he had thus changed, and ascribed my advice to an interested motive, I paid a visit to the President of the State Council, and, trusting in my old acquaintance with him, explained the case of my friend, whom he then appointed to a small post. In a short time my friend's affable behaviour and good management elicited approbation, so that he was promoted to a higher office. In this manner the star of his good luck ascended till he reached the zenith of his aspirations, and became a courtier of His Majesty the Sultân, generally esteemed and trusted. I was delighted with his safe position, and said: "be not apprehensive of tangled affairs, and keep not a broken heart, because the spring of life is in darkness. Do not grieve, O brother in misery, because the All-merciful has hidden favours. Sit not morose on account of the turns of time; for patience, although bitter, nevertheless possesses a sweet fruit."

At that time I happened to go with a company of friends on a journey to Mekkah, and on my return he met me at a distance